What is it?
• First person shooter where you can lead the actions of your squad members.
• The story is set between episodes two and three during the famous “Clone Wars.”
• Control an elite group of four clones as you embark on the secret covert missions of the Clone Wars.
o You are RC 01/138 leader of the elite Delta Squad.
o Fixer is the hacker who is able to slice computers and terminals to gain access to restricted areas.
o Scorch is the demolitions expert and is always happy to blow something up for you.
o Sev is the sniper with deadly accuracy.
Preview Gameplay
• Many similarities to other top notch first person shooters
o Your view of the world is from the inside of your clone’s helmet ala Metroid Prime
o Futuristic weapons and and an energy shield that depletes before taking damage is reminiscent of Halo.
o Recharge your energy through battery stations that feel just like Chronicles of Riddick
o Excellent graphics and detail of the environments remind me of all three of the above mentioned games.
• In the preview I played your character had four weapons easily accessible by pressing one of the d-pad buttons.
o A rapid firing machine gun type weapon with a high capacity.
o A single shot sniper rifle.
o A high damage grenade launcher.
o A pistol.
• In the level I played there didn’t seem to be a great deal of extra rounds lying around. At least for some of the weapons. So don’t expect to be able to just blow everything to bits with the heavy artillery.
• Tactical use of your squad members is easy and key for victory.
o Moving your aiming cursor over certain hot spots, will give you the option of giving an order to one of your squad by pressing the “A” button.
• Point to a computer terminal and an option to slice might appear. Give the order and watch Fixer go to work.
• Need to blow up a door? Point to the door and an option to breach will appear. Scorch will be oh so happy to oblige.
o You can also hold the “A” button during normal play and maneuver orders for your squad will become active that can be activated by using the d-pad.
• Secure area
• Form up
• Search and Destroy
• Cancel maneuver
o Squad strategy is very accessible; just don’t expect Full Spectrum Warrior type depth.
• When you die, you have the option of calling one of your squad over to restore some of your energy or by letting them first carry out their current orders.
• Likewise if one of your squad goes down, you can revive him by giving him a shock.
• On the options side, I loved the ability to change your “Look Sensitivity”. This basically lets you control how fast the camera pans when you look around. Players will be able to adjust this to their liking.
Preview Hype
• Overall I was very impressed with the preview.
• Great graphics and easy controls made for an enjoyable experience.
• The AI of your squad felt very helpful and not cumbersome.
• The game felt like it was a realistic part of the Star Wars universe.
• The full version promises to have:
o Over a dozen new weapons.
o Highly intelligent and varied enemies
o 15 missions through 8 diverse environments
o 16 players on Xbox live with deathmatch, team deathmatch and capture the flag.
• I predict it won’t be a blockbuster hit like Halo, but it should be a very solid and fun FPS.
• Let’s hope I’m right when the game is released on March 1st 2005.